SAIT welcomes back students with ANNUAL POWWOW

SAIT held its annual powwow over the weekend, and participants feel it’s a step in the right direction.

Janine Ironquill, of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, took part in the powwow that was held in SAIT’s Stan Grad Centre on Sept. 12, 2015. She danced in the Women’s Jingle Dress competition.

Ironquill feels it’s important for institutions like SAIT to take an interest in Aboriginal culture.

“I think it’s very important because people should know about our culture, and have a better understanding of what we do and just how normal we are in society,” she says.

She wants people within the community to understand that, while Aboriginal people are passionate when it comes to holding on to their heritage, they also lead quite normal lives.

“We like to have fun, we like to dance, we’re just normal people but we have our own culture,” says Ironquill. “I think it’s really important that people would like to understand it and learn.”

Angela Grier, Chinook Lodge coordinator, said shefeels that events like the powwow can benefit non-indigenous students as well.

“The powwow is really beneficial for our non-indigenous brothers and sisters because they are asking us continuously for exposure to cultural events,” says Grier.

“While the powwow is considered a more modern, not a traditional type of event, it’s still one where we come to celebrate and [non-indigenous students] can get a taste of the exquisiteness, the diversity, and everything of our peoples.”